The Knife Edge of Defeat ETO (id:#57628)

Dagger (Rout Report # 4.4 ID: Z16)   [next]   [previous]

(Revision: CH: Rout Pak II RPII 4)

Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands 1942-09-13 (21 others)

Overview:

After a harrowing destroyer ride down the Slot, Kawaguchi’s 124th Regiment landed on Guadalcanal and immediately set out to capture the invaluable airfield. Seeking to surprise the Marine defenders, the Japanese moved inland to attack the Marines from behind. Invisible to air recon and undetected by Marine patrols, Kawaguchi’s men struggled through the incredible choking forest and tangled, swampy ravines. Kawaguchi’s attack schedule was soon set back twice. At last the 124th arrived in the area of the jump-off point south of the airfield behind a long, treeless ridge. With time running out and uncertain of the enemy’ disposition, Kawaguchi ordered the attack to center on the ridge. The valiant Japanese attacked in waves, raging onto the open top of the ridge with fixed bayonets, hurling grenades and flares. The attack threatened to wash over the Marine line, particularly the positions of B Company of both the Raiders and Paras, stretched across the summit.

Defender: American (USMC) (Elements of B Company, Raiders and B Company, Paramarines)  

Errata (source)